Rise, Heal, and Grow Podcast with
Leah M. Hill

In this deeply reflective conversation, Leah M. Hill sits down with sociologist, educator, and author Ivy George to explore the powerful journey behind her memoir, Blind Sight. From growing up in India and resisting an arranged marriage to emigrating to the United States in search of freedom, Ivy shares how culture, patriarchy, migration, family, and belonging shaped her understanding of identity and self-worth. Together, Leah and Ivy examine the complexities of personal freedom, the hidden influence of systemic oppression, and the surprising lessons that emerge when we return to the stories and places we once tried to leave behind. This episode is a moving exploration of resilience, connection, and the courage to reclaim one’s life in a world that often asks us to surrender it.

What if the greatest barrier to healing isn’t addiction—but shame? In this deeply honest conversation, Leah M. Hill sits down with attorney, author, and recovery advocate Gail Brenner Nastasia to explore her remarkable journey from addiction and profound loneliness to twenty years of recovery, purpose, and hope. Together, they unpack why the things we often reach for to numb our pain can actually deepen our isolation, and how freedom begins when we realize there is nothing inherently wrong with us. Gail shares powerful insights on living clean, overcoming shame, finding authentic connection through “The Third Room,” and discovering a life that is not merely sober, but truly transformed. This episode is an invitation to rise above self-condemnation, embrace healing, and believe that lasting freedom is possible.

What if your body has been trying to guide you all along? In this enlightening conversation, Leah M. Hill welcomes teacher, author, and mind-body integration expert Cécile Raynor to explore the profound connection between physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. Drawing from her own journey through trauma, chronic nerve pain, and a life-changing realization about the unconscious mind, Cécile shares how true healing begins when we stop forcing change and start listening to the wisdom within. Together, Leah and Cécile discuss the power of Integrated Functioning, the intelligence of the body, the role of safety in transformation, and why lasting healing is an embodied experience. This inspiring episode offers practical wisdom for anyone ready to reconnect with themselves and discover greater ease, wholeness, and joy.

In this thoughtful and deeply moving episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with author, educator, musician, and memoirist Bryan Parys to explore the intersections of grief, faith, creativity, and the stories that shape our lives. Bryan shares how losing his father at a young age influenced his understanding of loss, meaning, and spirituality, and how writing became both a refuge and a way to make sense of life’s biggest questions. Together, they discuss the beauty of nonlinear storytelling, the power of sharing our personal narratives, the lessons hidden within grief and growth, and the wonder that can be found in everyday moments. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that life is less of a straight line and more of a mosaic—one where joy, pain, mystery, and hope come together to create something meaningful

In this inspiring episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with author, playwright, interior architect, and creative force Betsy Ellor to explore the power of storytelling, resilience, and redefining the narratives that shape our lives. From writing her first book at just eight years old to publishing children’s books, anthologies, and her acclaimed novel Hera: Kingdom of Lies, Betsy shares how creativity has guided her through life’s most challenging transitions. Together, Leah and Betsy discuss motherhood, advocating for a neurodiverse child, healing through heartbreak, balancing career and creativity, and why the stories we tell about women—both ancient and modern—matter more than ever. Through the lens of Greek mythology and personal transformation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that we are often far stronger, wiser, and more capable than we realize.

In this inspiring episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with Sheri Kennedy, founder of Fusionary Thinking LLC, visual artist, educator, facilitator, and three-time cancer survivor. Sheri shares her remarkable journey from graphic design and international experiences to discovering how creativity became a powerful tool for healing, growth, and transformation. Together, they explore how art can help us find our voice, navigate life’s greatest challenges, build meaningful connections, and unlock solutions we never knew existed. Whether in a hospital, classroom, boardroom, or around a kitchen table, Sheri believes everyone has the ability to be creative—and that creativity has the power to change lives. This uplifting conversation will leave listeners inspired to reconnect with their own spark, embrace new possibilities, and remember that if you can see it, you can make it happen.

On this inspiring episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with Dr. Jamie Engel, owner and head chiropractor of Aligned for Life Chiropractic in Beverly, Massachusetts. With a background in neurology, physiology, and behavior, Jamie shares her unexpected journey from the traditional pre-med path to becoming a passionate advocate for chiropractic care and holistic wellness. Together, they explore the powerful connection between the brain, spine, and nervous system, the science behind chiropractic’s impact on stress, focus, immune function, and overall health, and why spinal health is essential for people of all ages. Jamie also opens up about overcoming personal adversity, building a successful business in a male-dominated profession, and the life lessons that taught her to take chances, embrace failure, and stand strong in her purpose. This conversation is filled with hope, empowerment, and practical wisdom for anyone seeking to heal, grow, and live a more aligned life.

In this thought-provoking episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with psychotherapist, trauma therapist, leadership coach, and author Paul Scoglio for a deep conversation about healing, relationships, human potential, and the wisdom of the body. Drawing on more than four decades of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and leaders, Paul shares his journey from the halls of Danvers State Hospital to becoming a pioneer in trauma healing, somatic awareness, and human development. Together, they explore the impact of trauma on the body, the power of embodiment practices, the importance of understanding our differences, and the Taoist principle of Wu Wei—living with less force and more flow. Paul also offers insights from his upcoming memoir, Insane Asylum: A World of Trauma, and discusses how reconnecting with our bodies, intuition, and authentic selves can lead to greater healing, vitality, and joy. This episode is an inspiring invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and discover the transformative power that already exists within you.

What happens when the career you’ve worked so hard to build no longer feels sustainable? On this inspiring episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with executive leadership coach, bestselling author, and former attorney Rebecca Arnold to explore the hidden costs of high achievement, burnout, and the journey back to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Rebecca shares her personal story of navigating chronic illness, motherhood, a demanding career in federal education policy, and ultimately finding her calling in coaching leaders to create lasting impact without sacrificing their well-being. Together, they discuss mindset shifts, boundaries, nervous system regulation, holistic success, and the powerful lessons from Rebecca’s award-winning book, The Rooted Renegade. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, professional, or simply someone feeling stretched too thin, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement to help you build a life that allows you to thrive, not just survive.

In this inspiring episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with Angelina Behrens, Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner, author, and holistic wellness advocate, to explore the powerful connection between energy, health, and personal transformation. Angelina shares her remarkable journey from struggling with debilitating sleep apnea to discovering the healing modalities that would ultimately become her life’s calling. Together, they discuss energy medicine, muscle testing, chakra balancing, stress and pain management, detoxification, and the importance of clearing both physical and emotional toxins from our lives. Angelina also opens up about the role faith has played in her journey, how she helps clients return to a state of equilibrium, and why true healing often begins beneath the surface. Whether you’re curious about holistic healing or seeking new ways to create balance and well-being, this conversation offers valuable insights, hope, and practical wisdom for your own healing journey.

In this empowering episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with entrepreneur and business operations expert Erika Pherson, Founder and CEO of The Collective Concierge, to explore the powerful connection between reclaiming your time and reclaiming your life. Erika shares her personal journey from feeling overlooked and undervalued in her professional career to building a thriving business dedicated to helping entrepreneurs clear the chaos, eliminate bottlenecks, and step fully into confident leadership. Together, Leah and Erika dive into burnout culture, the myth that doing more equals greater success, and why asking for support is not a luxury — it’s a growth strategy. Through practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and Erika’s refreshing philosophy of “YOUR TIME. BACK.”, listeners will discover how clearing the “chowder” off their plate can create space for clarity, growth, peace of mind, and the freedom to build a business and life they truly enjoy.